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A look at Colorado’s most vocal leader
When talking about the Colorado Buffaloes, the names we hear most often are Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, and that’s for good reason. CU’s superstars are crucial to the Buffs’ success and bring in the most eyes, but a key player who often flies under the radar is Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig.
After following Deion Sanders from Jackson State to Colorado, the veteran safety has become both a vocal and in-game leader for this defense. Deion has always emphasized that to be a leader on his team, you must not only speak up but also produce on the field—and Cam has done exactly that, week in and week out.
This season, Cam has taken a major step forward and firmly established himself as the true leader of this revamped defense. His name is fresh in the minds of Buffaloes fans, especially after last weekend’s memorable moment when he returned a fumble the length of the field for a touchdown, effectively putting the final nail in UCF’s coffin.
yards to the house
Cam’Ron Simon-Craig with the scoop and score for @CUBuffsFootball!#Big12FB | @CFBONFOX
pic.NOPE/Cz2QrURKjG
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) September 28, 2024
While Cam’Ron may not get the same media spotlight as some of his teammates, his impact on the field is undeniable. When asked about Simon-Craig, both Deion and defensive coordinator Robert Livingston have nothing but praise for him. Livingston, in particular, has had glowing worlds about Colorado’s star strong safety.
“Cam’s the heartbeat, I love that guy.” said Livingston. “He’s everything you want in a player. He wears his emotions on his sleeve, and when he speaks, people listen. He’s our unquestioned leader.”
Cam’s ability to lead is backed up by his production. Through Colorado’s first five games, he’s recorded 36 tackles. His standout performance this season came against Nebraska, where he was one of the few bright spots for the Buffs. In Lincoln, he racked up 11 tackles and three tackles for loss, showcasing his versatility and leadership.
Cam excels in all phases of the game but is particularly effective at coming downhill to stop running backs in their tracks. Time and again, we’ve seen him forced into making open-field tackles on swing routes and screens, where he rarely misses. He’s more than just a playmaker—he’s someone who holds the entire defense accountable, pushing them to their highest potential.
When NFL scouts ask Deion about the leader of this defense or which player flies under the radar, his answer is always Cam. And it’s not hard to see why. The real question should be is Cam’Ron good enough to get drafted?
The answer, without a doubt, is yes. While he may not be a first-round pick yet, expect Cam to come off the board somewhere in the fifth or sixth round of the draft. With that said, his stock could easily rise. He hasn’t fully showcased his ability to completely take over a game, but as he continues to develop, he has the potential to become a perennial starter in the NFL. For better or worse, Colorado’s success this season will play a significant role in how scouts view Cam’s abilities, as team performance often impacts individual evaluations. That’s why it’s crucial that Colorado keeps winning and that Cam stays healthy. The more eyes on him, the better.
This year’s defense has been the best Colorado fans have seen since Jim Leavitt was in town. After years of struggling on that side of the ball, the Buffs now have depth and playmakers at key positions. Travis Hunter draws a lot of attention, and rightfully so, but it’s players like Cam who are the backbone of this unit. Their ability to come together and execute week after week has put Colorado on the map as one of the best defenses in the Big 12.
Going forward, maintaining this level of defensive excellence will be crucial if the Buffs hope to make a deep run. The Big 12 is stacked with offensive firepower, but if Colorado’s defense can keep up their high level of play, they’ll be in a position to compete for more than just a bowl game. With leaders like Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig at the helm, it’s clear that this defense has the potential to carry Colorado deep into December.
In a season filled with breakout stars and electric performances, Cam’Ron continues to be the steady, reliable presence that holds everything together. Whether or not he gets the national recognition he deserves, his importance to this team is impossible to ignore. And if the Buffs can continue their winning ways, there’s no doubt that Cam will be one of the players driving their success.
by Jacob.Thompson
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